But it’s way bigger than the original one, which had a really similar engine.

Wow this thing’s gonna be a complete dog. You can’t just keep putting the exact same engine in and making it way bigger! I mostly see turbo versions around here so I don’t know where those buyers are gonna go. Is the Escape the only thing left with some power in this class?

Ah, yes. That wall in the background is exactly right there. https://goo.gl/maps/UtYQP9urPk82

I used to drive by that exit all the time when I worked in the south bay. It’s the carpool lane exit onto 85 from 101-S. It’s right after a super wide, straight, and smoothly paved portion of 101, with two carpool lanes. Leftmost carpool lane turns into that bridge, one on the right keeps going along 101.

Not sure which comment you’re replying to, but the 340 wagon is still around outside the US. It’s just auto-only, as far as I can tell.

I’ve always been a fan of BMW’s automatics. That’s one limitation I could definitely handle. I actually don’t think the current 340 wagon can be had with a stick anywhere in the world.

Oh, right. That’s awesome! Is yours a stick? My six cylinder thirst would be plenty satisfied with the N52, but not being given the option of turbos while X3s come with them still seems wrong to me.

One of the most awful decisions to have to make in the US market, but in the end, I’d rather have six cylinder BMW power than a long roof. Back in the E90 days I think that was the only edge the sedan had. Now you have to also get an automatic with xDrive on top. You can get a RWD X3, though. Makes no sense.

I definitely autocross my wagon and the sunroof is the least of things slowing me down :P

This is on a completely different platform than the current US Passat. It’s based on the much nicer rest-of-the-world Passat, which in turn uses VW’s new “MQB” (transverse) architecture. The “NMS” Passat built in Tennessee uses a unique platform based on older Passats.

He definitely remembered his being an auto

I think a critical piece to this commercial’s success is that that generation Focus was actually a great car through its entire run. Don’t think a Cavalier would’ve had the same effect.

I just bought one of those! Having lost my last 3-series to a hit and run as it was parked, this hits too close to home.

I think they’re actually really good looking in real life! They definitely have more of a ‘good looking regular car’ than a ‘compact luxury sedan’ thing going on, though. Nowhere as racy as a Giulia, Jag XE or even a 3-series. But the same applies to a Model S vs Quattroporte, S-class, etc. I’d say Model S and 3 are…

The automatic transmission’s actually a carryover between NC and ND, I believe? It’s pretty much the only part of the car that’s not ‘Syactiv’. They just didn’t have budget to develop a new automatic and the old one is more than good enough it seems.

Is that an original RS4? Thank the heavens it was spared!

I didn’t even know you could get the 3.2 with a manual. I have a 2.0T (also manual) and it’s no slouch, but I long for 6 cylinders... Good luck finding one, though! Manual Avants are rare as hen’s teeth and I’m probably keeping mine till I die.

That’s the actually-pretty-handsome non-North America version. Looked great as a sedan, and there was a liftback version as well.

Wait, really? My A4's been “no remedy available” for ages and I’m really ready to trade it in. Do you have a link for the rebate?

Surprisingly few tears being shed for the NA I-4. That thing is (was?) also amazing! Leaves every competing engine in the dust somehow.